Will Enter Service In 2015, Replace Older Aircraft

Yamagata Prefecture Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Agency in Japan has chosen the AW139 intermediate twin helicopter to meet its operational requirement following a tender process. The AW139 helicopter is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2015, replacing an aging model.

“The growing success experienced by the AW139 in Japan for so many roles, particularly for public utility applications, confirms that the aircraft is ideal for meeting the many varied operational requirements of agencies throughout the nation," said Andrew Symonds, President, AgustaWestland Japan. "We are convinced the AW139 is well positioned for further success in this important and growing market for AgustaWestland.”
 
Yamagata Prefecture Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Agency’s AW139 will be fitted with a Bambi bucket, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), weather radar, FLIR, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, search light, cargo hook, rescue hoist, snow skids, wire strike protection system and external loudspeakers, to allow it to perform a wide variety of missions.
 
The AW139 has proven extremely successful in Japan performing a number of roles including search and rescue and coast guard duties, law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief and electronic news gathering. The Japan Coast Guard has placed orders for 18 AW139s so far. The AW139 has also become the platform of choice for public utility roles such as law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief with the Japan National Police Agency, Tokyo Metropolitan Police and Fire and Disaster Management Agency as well as several prefectures and city authorities. All Nippon Helicopter (NHK) and Kansai TV have chosen the AW139 to carry out Electronic News Gathering (ENG) missions across the nation.

(Image provided by AguastaWestland)

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